Jack in the Pulpit Use and
Properties

Jack-in-the-Pulpit root is used in alternative
medicine and is edible (only after drying and cooking) The fresh root contains
high concentrations of calcium oxalate and is considered to
be too dangerous and intensely acrid to use. Roasting the
root after drying it 6 months removes the acridity. In this
way Native Americans peeled and ground Jack in the Pulpit roots to powder
to make a bread, which has a flavor similar to chocolate. Gather roots in early spring and dry for later.

Photo by Deb Jackson Copyright 2000

Caution is advised as ingesting the fresh root can
cause poisoning and even death. WARNING: Raw corms
are not edible and contain calcium oxalate which will cause
a burning sensation in the mouth.

The roots can be cut into very thin slices and allowed to
dry for several months, after which they are eaten like
potato chips, crumbled to make a cereal or ground into a
cocoa-flavored powder for making biscuits and cakes. A
starch obtained from the roots is used as a stiffener for
clothes.

Jack in the Pulpit root is acrid, antiseptic, diaphoretic, expectorant, irritant
and stimulant. A medicinal poultice of root used for
headaches and various skin diseases. Ointment used for
ringworm, tetterworm and abscesses
treatments.

Jack in the Pulpit Native Habitat and Description

Jack in the Pulpit is a native perennial herb found in moist woods from Canada to
Florida and westward to Kansas and Minnesota. Cultivation:
is very difficult, requires green house conditions. The
leaves, one or two, are long stemmed, smooth, light green,
trifoliate, and entire, each leaflet is ovate from 3 to 6
inches long and from 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches wide. The root
is a corm, it is shaped like a turnip.

Jack in the Pulpit flowers bloom in
April and May, the single is either all green or green with
dark purple stripes, is an unusual formation, a sort of
green vase, a spathe, made from a single leaf, with a stalk
growing up the middle of it, and a leaf-hood folding
gracefully over its top. Jack-in-the-Pulpit stands about 1
to 1 1/2 feet tall. In autumn the rest of the plant dies
away, leaving only the berry-covered stalk. The fruit
ripens in the form of a bunch of bright, scarlet, shining
berries. This plant starts life male. After 2 years, or
longer in poor soil, it turns female, flowers and bears
seed. If the plant receives a shock, it may turn back male
again.

Jack in the Pulpit History and Folklore

The root was used as a contraceptive by the
women of some Native American tribes. One teaspoonful of the
dried herb, powdered root in cold water was said to prevent
conception for a week whilst two teaspoonfuls in hot water
was said to induce permanent sterility.

Disclaimer - The herbal information on this web site is intended for educational purposes only. It is not the intention of the editor to advise on health care. Please see a medical professional about any health concerns you have. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information on this web site is not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.